Wavelength conversion layer on a glass plate to enhance solar harvesting efficiency

Abstract

Described herein are wavelength converting devices comprising a glass plate and a wavelength conversion layer over a glass plate that can be applied to solar cells, solar panels, or photovoltaic devices to enhance solar harvesting efficiency of those devices. The wavelength conversion layer of the wavelength converting device comprises a polymer matrix and one, or multiple, luminescent dyes that convert photons of a particular wavelength to a more desirable wavelength.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 593,683, filed Feb. 1, 2012. The foregoing application is fully incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to a wavelength converting device comprising a wavelength conversion layer on a substrate layer. Embodiments of this invention are useful generally as conversion layers for solar cells, solar panels, or photovoltaic devices, as well as other devices and applications requiring wavelength conversion.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The utilization of solar energy offers a promising alternative energy source to the traditional fossil fuels. Thus, the development of devices that convert solar energy into electricity, such as photovoltaic devices (also known as solar cells), has drawn significant attention in recent years. Se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Materials configured for high efficiency conversion of wavelengths are provided. In some embodiments, the materials are useful for converting a portion of solar radiation to useable wavelengths for solar energy conversion devices. Several embodiments provide a device comprising a wavelength conversion layer on a glass plate. Such devices can be configured to be applied to solar cells, solar panels, and photovoltaic devices to enhance solar harvesting efficiency when applied to the light incident surface of those devices. In several embodiments, the device comprises a wavelength conversion layer on a glass plate, wherein the wavelength conversion layer comprises a transparent polymer matrix and at least one chromophore. In several embodiments the chromophore receives as input at least one photon having a first wavelength, and provides as output at least one photon having a second wavelength which is different than the first.

[0010]The wavelength converting device comprising a wavelength conversion layer and a glass plate, as described herein, may include additional layers. For example, the wavelength converting device may comprise an adhesive layer in between the glass plate and wavelength conversion layer. In several embodiments, the wavelength converting device may also comprise an additional protective layer on top of the wavelength conversion layer, designed to protect and prevent oxygen and moisture penetration into the wavelength conversion layer. The converting device may further comprise a polymer layer comprising a UV absorber, designed to prevent harmful high energy photons from contacting the wavelength conversion layer. Additionally, the structure may comprise one or more removable liners attached to the wavelength conversion layer, the glass plate, or both. In several embodiments, the removable liners are designed to protect the structure from photodegradation until it is installed onto a solar cell, solar panel, or photovoltaic device.

[0013]Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for improving the performance of photovoltaic devices, solar cells, solar modules, or solar panels, comprising applying the structure, as described herein, to the light incident side of the device. The solar harvesting efficiency of various devices, such as a silicon based device, a III-V or II-VI junction device, a Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenium (CIGS) thin film device, an organic sensitizer device, an organic thin film device, or a Cadmium Sulfide / Cadmium Telluride (CdS / CdTe) thin film device, can be improved.

Problems solved by technology

A deficiency of several photovoltaic devices is that they are unable to effectively utilize the entire spectrum of light.

Thus, some radiative energy is lost to the device itself.

One issue with these devices is the energy gap of CdS, approximately 2.41 eV, which causes light at wavelengths below 514 nm to be absorbed by CdS instead of passing through to the photoconductive layer where it can be converted into energy.

The inability to utilize the entire spectrum of light effectively reduces the overall photoelectric conversion efficiency of the device.

However, each of these disclosures uses time-consuming and sometimes complicated and expensive techniques which may require special tool sets to apply the wavelength conversion film to the solar cell device.

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